How to Prevent Power Drain from Hydrastar Brake Actuator When Truck Is Turned Off

Updated 11/18/2024 | Published 11/17/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

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$906.67

Deka Battery Isolator - 95 Amp

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$60.56

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers

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$252.80

Question:

Hi, I have a tandem axle boat trailer with a hydra star electric/hydraulic braking and when I plug in to my 2004 Chevy 3500 the actuator makes a “ping” sound every few seconds and will “ping” then entire time while plugged in. I have a Takonsha brake controller and installed the hydra star adapter so the system will communicate with my brake controller. The brakes work perfectly. Each time the actuator pings the lights briefly dim with each “ping”. I’m afraid to leave the trailer plugged in while parked with the engine off for fear that my battery will be discharged after a while as it seems to be drawing power with each “ping”. Can you offer me any direction? Thank You, Ryan

asked by: Ryan M

Expert Reply:

Hi Ryan; if you want to prevent battery drain you could use a battery isolator # DW08770. The other option is to just unplug the trailer if you're going to leave it hooked up for a long period of time. I'm not entirely sure what that ping is so I would pay closer attention to it. It sounds like it is actually running and pulling power when it shouldn't be. If you have a Tekonsha controller that is EOH compatible you don't need the # HBA-CAM just make sure it is switched to EOH. Using the two together when it isn't necessary could be the reason for that power draw but I haven't heard of anything like this before.

expert reply by: Robin H

Ryan M.

11/18/2024

Yeah I did install the HBA-CAM and that helped my brake controller recognize the hydrastar but it did not help with the ping coming from the actuator. I have a video that I can send